Electroplating apparatus



June 13, 1933- 4 H. J. RICHARDS AL 1,913,956

ELECTROPLAT ING APPARATUS qTfOR/VE V June 13, 1933. H; J. RICHARDS ET AL v v1,913,956

ELECTROPLATING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 16. 1929 2 Smets-sheet 2 Patented June 13, 1933 UNIT-ED STATES PATENT oFFlc'E HEDLEY J'. RICHARDS AND WILLIAM E. HINTON, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, ASSIGMNOBS TO LASALCO, INC., OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, A COBPORATIDN OF MISSOURI ELECTROPLATING- APPARATUS Application mea November 1e, 1929. serial No. 407,604.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in electroplating apparatus. Heretofore, electroplating apparatus of the type to which this invention appertains used a revoluble barrel or tank wherein the negative connector or cathode Was attached to the inside of the barrel and Was placed in' the electric circuit through connections which extended outwardly from the barrel to a ring arranged on the underside thereof and byv means of a stationary brush engaging said rin rIghis arrangement has been unsatisfactory for several reasons, one of which was the tendency of the plating deposit to tree out and spread from the cathode element to adjacent surfaces. Thus a frequent removal and cleaning of the cathode element was necessary to reniove the deposit therefrom. If this frequent cleaning did not take place, the

deposit would continue to spread until the barrel would be electroplated more than the l open upper end thereof, the cathodeelemlent being insulated from and spaced below the anode element and arranged so that it rests!- freely against the bottom of the barrel and is maintained in close and efficient -electric contact with the load or' objects placed in the barrel.

Further objects of the invention are to detachably mount both of said elements so that they can be easily installed or removed for cleaning purposes and to make said elements of inexpensiveconstruction so that new ones can be readily substituted for the old elements. v

Other objects ofthe invention are to proorder to increase the surface thereof and insure efficient contact with the electrolyte.

Still other objects of the invention are to provide an improved mounting for said cathode and anode elements whereby they can be adjusted to various heights with regard to the barrel and can be readily moved to remote positions with respect to said barrel.

Still further objects of the invention are to provide an improved mounting for the cathode element whereby the latter can be easily detached from position and a new one substituted in place thereof and whereby said cathode is ieXibly supported so as to accommodate itself to the bottom of the barrel and the load contained therein.

Additional objects of the invention are generally to improve upon the construction and operation of the electroplating apparatus of the type using open-topped revoluble barrel and to reduce the installation and..

maintenance costs of such apparatus.

With theseand other objects in view, our invention consists in certain novel features of construction and arrangement of parts, hereinafter more fully described and claimed,

and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure l is a side elevational view of our improved apparatus showing the barrel partly in cross section.

Figure 2 is arear elevational view thereof.

Figure 3 is a cross section taken on line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged vertical cross section through the anode and cathode elements and thesupporting parts thereof.

Figure 5 is' an enlarged vertical cross section through the upper ends of the supports utilized for said elements.

Figure 6 is a horizontal cross section taken on line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is an enlarged elevational view of the anode'element, looking against the v underside thereof.

invention is especially applicable utilizes a revoluble barrel disposed with its axis inclined from vertical and having the upper end open. This barrel is filled with suitable electrolyte and is actuated so as to cause tumbling or agitation of the load contained therein, thereby insuring efficient electroplating of said load or objects. The anode and cathode elements are submerged in the electrolyte and are insulated and spacedfrom each other. As disclosed in the present invention, these elen'ients are stationarily supported and are so arranged that they can be easily withdrawn from the barrel and readily detached from their supports.

Referring by numerals to the accompanying drawings, 10 indicates a base provided on each side with a horizontally disposed bearing 11 in which are journaled shafts 12.

The inner ends of said shafts project from said bearings and have mounted thereon horizontally disposed bearings 14 of a casting 15. Bearings 1 4 are formed integral with casting 15 and are spaced from each other s o as to form a centra-l clearance within casting 15. A pair of bearings 16 is formed integral with casting 15 substantially at right angles to bearings 14 and are adapted to have journaled therein trunnion shaft 17 of a plating barrel 18. This shaft 17 is secured in position on said barrel by means of a series of radial arms 17n which extend from the hub portion 17b and are secured to the underside or bottom 18a of barrel 18.

Bearings 16 are spaced from each other a suitable distance and .fixed to shaft 17 is a large gear 19 which is engaged by a beveled pinion 20. The latter is fixed to the inwardly projecting end of one of the shafts 12 and the outer end of said shaft has fixed thereon a large pulley 21 over which operates a belt 22 driven by a lnotor 23. Thus the actuation of the motor rotates pinion 20 and through it large beveled gear 19 which actuates shaft 17 and barrel 18 carried by said shaft.

Barrel 18 and casting 15 are tilfable about the axis of shafts 12 whereby the barrel 18 can be maintained in operative position as shown in full lines in Figure 1 or can be tilted downwardly to empty the electrolyte and the load as shown in dotted lines in said figure. In order to hold said barrel in operative position and to provide means for tilting said barrel. a handle 24 is provided.

This handle is arranged to one side of the apparatus and is fixed at its lower end fo a rock shaft 25 which has bearing in the base 10 and extends between the sides thereof.

A pulley 26 is fixed on said rock shaft. preferably immediately below the axis of barrel 18, and operating overv said pulley is a chain 27, one end of which is fixed to said pulley and the other end of which is fixed to an extension 28 which projects rearwardly from casting 15. Thus by operating 115116.19224:

in the proper direction, shaft 25 is rocked'to either release chain 27 and permit downward movement of the barrel, or to wind the chain on its pulley and raise said barrel in position.

Handle 24 is locked in adjusted position b means of a pawl 29 engaging ratchet teet on segment 30. Pawl 29 is operable in the usual manner by a latch 31. The extension 28 has suspended therefrom a counter weight 32 which counterbalances the barrel 18 and facilitates the adjustment thereof on the axis of shafts 12.I

Bearings 14 have formed integral therewith transversely and rearwardly disposed bearings, 14, These bearings receive the lower ends of apair of lower members 34 of a frame 35. Where said ends enter bearings 14a they are insulated therefrom by suitable insulating members 36. The opposite ends of members 34 are connected by suitable coupling members 37 to the lower ends of a pair of upwardly and forwardly inclined members 38. These members extend upwardly a suitable distance above barrel 18 and are connected together by suitable couplings 39 and a horizontally and transversely disposed member 40.

This member 40 is preferably tubular in cross section and has loosely mounted thereon a bearing or socket member 41. This socket member is free to move in an arc of about ninety degrees, the extent of rocking movement thereof being limited by a pin 42 which is seated in member 40 to one side of member 41 and engages a notch formed in the corresponding end of said member. A collar 44 is preferably secured to member 40 on the opposite side of member 41 so as to prevent longitudinal movement of member 41 on the horizontal support 40.

A tubular extension of socket member 45 is `formed integral with member 41 and has its bore disposed at right angles to the bore of member 41. A tubular sleeve 46 extends slidably through socket 45 and has its upper end provided with an adjustable clamp 47 which limits the downward movement of member 46 and supports the latter in suspended position. The lower end of tubular member I46 is threaded and has screw-seated thereon an anode element 48. This anode element is of circular shape and is provided'on its underside with a series of concentrically arranged ribs or convolutions 49 which increase the effective surface of said. anode. This anode is provided with a central aperture for receiving the tubular member 46l and the supporting means 50 carrying cathode 51.

The cathode or negative element 51 is of spherical shape and is secured to the lower end of a cable or flexible connection member 52. This cable has the usual insulation 53 and in addition is provided with an outer insulation rubber covering 54. The lower end of said cable extends a suitable distance below anode 48 and permits cathode 5l to'be moved about in all directions so as to insure an efficient electrical contact between said cathode and the load contained in the barrel. Where the cable enters the lower face of anode 46 a sleeve of fiber o1 rubber, such as 55, is arranged in the central opening of said anode and projects a suitable distance therebelow so as to preventsaid cable', and its insulation covering from .coming in direct contact with said anode. Said cable fits snugly within sleeve 46 and can be readily removed therefrom.

The upper ends of insulating material 53 and 54 terminate substantially Hush with the upper end of metal tube 46. The upper end of this tube is threaded and receives a cap 56, the upper end of whichis provided with a central opening. A washer 57 is placed over the upper ends of tube 46 and insulating covers 53 and 54 and is held thereagainst by said cap 56. This washer is provided with an upwardly presented reduced extension 57a which extends through the opening formed in said cap 56. The upper end of the cable extends upwardly a suitable distance above cap 56 and is insulated from the latter by means of said washer 57 and extension 57 B. A terminal block or connector 58 is secured to the.

extreme upper end of cable 52 and seated in said connector is one end of an electrical connection 59 which leads to the negative pole of a generator (not shown).

An insulation washer 60 is inserted bethe insulated relation between cable 52 and tube 46.

Adjusting collar 47 is clamped in fixed position on tube 46 by means of a handle 61. Collar 47 is split and is provided with laterally projecting lugs 47a in one of which is screw-seated one end o f a screw 62. The opposite end projects outwardly from the other lug and has fixed thereon said handle Thus by turning the handle in the proper direction, said lugs are drawn together to clamp the collar on said tubular member 46.

This collar forms a terminal connector for the positive lead or connection 63 of the electric circuit, there being a forward extension 64 formed on said collar which extension is provided with a bore for receiving the end of said connection. The electrical connection between the lead 63 and anode 48 is completed by tube 46 which is formed of metal. Thus the current passes from connection 63 and lug 64 to collar47 and then through tube 46 to anode 48. From the anode the electric current passes through the electrolyte and acts on the load or objects placed in the barrel. The circuit is completed by the cathode 51 which is in intermittent contact with the load and is connected through cable 52 and terminal block 58 to the other lead 59.

As shown in the drawings, the socket is formed of metal and is in electrical contact with tubular member 46. Therefore frame 35 is insulated from the rest `0f the structure by means of insulation members 36. However, socket 45 could be provided with an insulating sleeve whereby tubular member 46 would not be in electrical contact with the socket and would therefore be insulated from the supporting structure and in which case the insulating members 36 could be dispensed with.

When it is desired to load or unload the barrel, the cathode and anode elements are moved into the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 1. In this position the tubular member 46 is moved longitudinally through the socket member 45 and said socket member is tilted from vertical position into horizontal position on support member 40 so that said elements and parts associated therewith are completely out of the way of the operator.

To remove the cathode element from the assembly, the terminal block 58 is detached from the upper end of cable 52, whereupon said cable and its insulation covering can be withdrawn from tubular member 46. To remove the anode element 48, th'e same'is unscrewed from the lower end of tubular'member 46. This member can be removed by detaching cap 56 from the upper threaded end of the tube. The adjusting collar 47 is movable on tubular member 46 so as to control the downward 4 movement thereof and regulate the positioning of the elements and particularly the anode element.

In order to facilitate the removal of cable 52 and its insulation covering from tubular member 46, block 58 is preferably attached to cable 52 by means of a set screw 65.

The tubular member 46 is p-rovided throughout its entire length with insulating lining members 46a which insulate'the supporting means from said tube 46 so that under no circumstances does said supporting means 50 (which includes cable 52, insulation covering 53, and gum rubber covering 54)' come in cont-act with said tube 46-or anode 48.

Thus an ellici'ent insulation is maintained at all times between said anode and cathode elements and their'connections. The sleeve in addition to its insulation feature also. serves to protect the projecting portion of means 50 against injury at its point of emergence from the anode 48.

The particular arrangement of anode and cathode elements permits easy displacement thereof with respect to the barrel and enables quick replacement of the elements. The cathode 51 isl flexibly mounted so that it will give and adjust itself to the load contained in the barrel, thereby insuring eiiicient electrical contact with the load at all times.

As both the anode and the cathode elements are mounted independently of the barrel no l position into an ino 5 tion, a tubular mem additional work 'on the barrel is required. All danger of leakage of the electrolyte through imperfect connections is eliminated,

While we have disclosed herein the pre- 5 ferred embodiment of our invention, it is obvious that various changes in the construction and arrangement of parts of our improved electroplating apparatus could be made and substituted for those herein de- 9 scribed and shown, without departing from the spirit of our invention.

We claim: 1. An electroplating apparatus comprising in combination a revoluble open-topped 5 electrolyte container, a stationary frame p extending above said container, a tubular support mounted onsaid frame and .extending into said container, said support being adjustable in vertical plane, a centrally per.- 0 forated anode fixed to the lower end of said support, a flexible connecting member extending through said support, the lower'end of said connection extending through said anode, into said container, a cathode fixed to the lower end of said flexible connection member whereby said cathode has a restricted free movement within said container below said anode, a terminal anode connector fixed to the upper end of said tubular member, a 0 terminal cathode connector fixed to the upper end of said flexible connection and electrical connections for connecting said terminal connectors to the respective poles of a generator.

2. An electroplating apparatus comprising an open-topped container mounted for rotation on an inclined axis, a stationary frame extending above said container, a socket member mounted on said frame and movable into an inoperative horizontal position, a tubular member slidably mounted in said socket and extending into said container, an anode fixed to the lower end of said tubular member, an adjusting .collar fixed to said tubular member near the upper end thereof and adjustable thereon to regulate the vertical movement of said tubular member, a fiexble cable extending through said tubular support and insulated therefrom, a cathode fixed to the lower end of said cable and spaced a suitable distance below said anode, means forsecuring the upper end of said cable in insulated relation to said support, andl electrical connections f orconnecting said anode and cathode to the respective poles of a generator.

3. An electroplating apparatus comprising an open-topped container mounted for rotation on an inclined axis, a stationary frame extending above said container, a socket member mounted on' said frame and movable from vertically disposedoperative perative horizontal pos1- from vertically disposed operative position er slidably mounted in said vv'socket and extending intoV said container, an anode fixed to the lower end of said tubular member, an adjusting collar fixed to said tubular member near the upper end thereof and adjustable thereon to regulate the vertical movement of said tubular member, a flexible cable extending through said tubular support and insulated therefrom, a cathode fixed to the lower end of said cable and spaced 'a suitable distance below said anode, means for securing the upper end of said cable in insulated relation to said support, an electrical connection secured to said adjusting collar for connecting the positive pole of a generator to said anode, and an electrical connection secured to the extremity of the upper end of said cable for connecting said cathode to the negative pole of a generator.

4. ln an electroplating apparatus, the combination of an open-topped container mounted for rotation on an inclined axis, a stationary frame extending above said container, a vertically disposed socket mounted on said frame above said container in a vertical plane with the top thereof, said socket being movable onV a horizontal axis into a horizontal position, a tubular member slidably mounted in said socket and extending when in vertical position into said container, a centrally apertured anode fixed to the lower end of said tubular member, a fiexible cable extending through said tubular member and insulated therefrom and from the electrolyte contained in said container, a cathode fixed to the lower end of said cable and spaced below said anode, and electrical connections connected respectively to the upper ends of said tubular member and of said cable.

5. In an electroplating apparatus, the combination with an open-topped container, of a stationary frame extending thereabove, a socket member carried by said support above said container and movable into vertical and horizontal positions, a metallic tubular member slidably mounted in said socket member and extending into said container, a centrally apertured anode fixed to the lower end of said tubular member, a collar fixed to the upper end of said tubular member and bearing against the upper end of said socket to limit the downward movement of said tubular member and said anode, a flexible insulated cable fixed in said tubular member and extending below said anode, said cable being insulated throughout its entire length `from said tubular member and from the electrolyte contained in said container, a cathode xed to v the,lower end of said cable and loosely disposed inthe bottom of said container, an electrical connection connected to said collar for connecting said. anode to one pole of a generator, and an electrical connection connected to the upper end of said cable for connecting said cathode to the other pole of a generator.

6. In an electroplating apparatus of the class described, the combination of a su port including a socket member, a metallic tubular member slidably mounted in said socket and extending downwardly therefrom, a central apertured anode fixed to the lower end of said tubular member, a collar fixed to the upper end of said tubular member and bearing against the upper end of said socket to limit the downward movement of said tubular member, means for adjustably securing said collar on said tubular member so as to regulate the downward movement of the latter and of said anode, aiexible cable extending through said tubular member and projecting therefrom below said anode, said cable being insulated throughout its entire length, a cathode fixed to the lower end of said cable, an electrical connection xed to the upper end of said cable and connecting said cable and said cathode to one pole of a generator, means for insulating said electrical connection from the upper end of said tubular member, andan electrical connection attached to said collar for connecting said tubular member and said anode to the other pole of a generator.

In testimony whereof we hereunto aiix our signatures this 9th day of November, 1929.

HEDLEY J. RICHARDS. WILLIAM E. HINTON. 

